Love In Destin ✔

epilogue

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𝑴𝒂𝒚𝒂

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I HAD ALWAYS been searching for stability, from the days Dad's visits got shorter to when I stepped out of the plane in Destin to start my new life. Now, I can comfortably say I've found it.

Stability is in my regular calls with Mom, who fills me in on the apartments she's been looking into renting. She decided that since I would be away at college and she would be on her own, it would be better to get a place for herself. It's in Jada and Cassie, who video call me any chance they get to give me updates on the goings-on of their lives. Jada finally told her parents about Tommy, who were skeptical at first, but they ended up loving him. The two went to prom together and are heading to Yale. Cassie got accepted to UCLA.

It's in the hugs and kisses from Aunt Abby, whose existence I'm thankful for, and I've promised her multiple visits over the coming summers. It's in the friends I have found at West Bridge High, including their significant others, who have been integrated into our group. Despite the different routes we will take after this summer, we've all promised to keep in touch and plan multiple activities together occasionally.

Finally, it's in Rick, who has been my comfort, shoulder to lean on, muse and most importantly, my home. Rick ended up getting a sports scholarship at UCLA, which he was absolutely astounded by. He was expecting to go to some community college, but Mr Mallon revealed that they had been watching him and he had been doing great, so they had recommended him to UCLA.

When he told me the news, I couldn't have been more proud, and I treated us to ice cream to celebrate. Then, he asked me how our relationship would work during college, and I told him I was coming with him to UCLA. There was no hesitation, just straight assurance, but also because I knew deep down that long distance was out of the question. Wherever I was going to go for University had never really been much of a big deal to me. What was important was just getting a degree. So, I don't mind going to UCLA. In fact, it's an amazing school. I'll be majoring in Business Economics and minoring in French.

Grumpy, rubs and purrs against my leg while I struggle to close my duffel bag.

"Do you need help, honey?! They'll be here any second!" yells Aunt Abby.

"I'm done! Just need to close my bag!"

Somehow, I manage to close the bag and I take a minute to catch my breath, panting from the hard work I just had to do. My phone pings with a message from Mom: Here's your Dad's new number, just in case you ever need it.

Dad showed up at my graduation. He was sat in the very last chairs, dressed in a suit, his hair properly brushed, and looking up at me with a subtle smile. I had seen him when I went up on stage to receive my certificate, and I saw him again after the ceremony while everyone was mingling. He approached me, hands his pocket, his eyes moist and said, "I'm proud of you,"

"Thanks,"

"Do you think you could we could ever...you know. Do you think it could be like it used to be?"

"Honestly, Dad, right now, all I want to do is go out and celebrate with my friends. We've just graduated. And after that, I'll be focused on College,"

He nodded slowly, "I understand,"

"But, maybe one day,"

"As long as there is a day, that's enough for me," he smiled.

I told Mom about what he'd said. She had seen him, too. I have no idea about how things between Dad and I are going to go, and I don't want to know. That's something I'll leave for the future.

A chorus of honks sounds outside, and Aunt Abby calls for me. Quickly, I kiss Grumpy, whispering, "I'll see you soon," before grabbing my bag and shoes and heading downstairs.

"I've packed your breakfast in here. Make sure you eat it on the road," she says, handing me the brown paper bag. She encases me in a bear hug and kisses my forehead, "I'm gonna miss you, sweetie. I've gotten used to having you around. I don't know what I'm gonna do without you here,"

"You can do what you've always done. Drink your wines, watch the office and go out and have fun. We'll keep in touch, and I'll send you so many pictures, I promise,"

"Okay, I'll have a strawberry smoothie once in a while in remembrance of you,"

"What an honor," I giggle, hugging her again. "See you soon, Aunt Abby,"

When I open the door, Rick stands on the other side and snags my bag. "Hey, beautiful," he gives me a peck. "We need to get on the road. Hi, Abigail,"

Aunt Abby greets him as she approaches the door. As we head to the yellow Volkswagen van Dawn's sister lent to us, everyone pops their heads out and greets me.

"Hey, how about a picture before you guys leave?" suggests Aunt Abby and the others agree.

Debra runs and hands over the camera to her, and we all gather together for the picture: Dawn with Damon, Miche, Debra, Pam, Lana with Caleb, Mark with Skylar, and finally, Rick with me.

We are going on a road trip to the Bahamas. It was actually Mark's idea. He and Rick were planning one with some other guys at the beginning of the year when he suggested it would be better to go with our friend group. After a lot of careful planning and discussing when everyone would be free, we all pitched in to make this thing work. Jada, Cassie, and Tommy were up for it, too, when I shared the plan with them. They'll be meeting us halfway.

 Dawn, Skylar, and Mark will ride with Damon in his jeep. Rick and I will ride with Lana and Caleb in his jeep, while Pam and the rest of the girls will ride in the van. We will take turns taking over the wheel, make multiple stops to rest, and, most importantly, bond and take pictures.

"Cheese!" Aunt Abby says.

"Cheese!" we all say back as the camera clicks.

Unsurprisingly, the chaos ensues. Someone's complaining about forgetting to buy snacks, Pam and Debra are arguing about something, and the rest of us ensure everything is in place. Then, doors are shutting, cars start rumbling, radios blasting with music are being turned on, and with one last goodbye to Aunt Abby, we set off on our last summer before college.